16 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Assorted crackers or toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, take a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet and lightly grease it with a little bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks to the sides.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the alcohol-free vanilla extract and half of the cinnamon. Stir it until it is smooth and spreadable. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a flat and level layer.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and the remaining cinnamon. Cook the mixture for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Pour the warm cranberry mixture directly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Use a spoon to spread it out so the red berries cover the white cheese completely. Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for an added layer of texture and flavor.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the edges of the cream cheese to be bubbly and the cranberry sauce to be shimmering. Once finished, remove it from the oven and garnish with the sliced green onions for a festive green contrast before serving warm.
